Recently, I came across a news article that I believe is worth sharing. It's about a unique animal shelter in Nara, Japan, which has achieved remarkable success in finding homes for stray animals. Unlike many shelters where animals often face euthanasia if they are not adopted within a certain timeframe, this shelter in Nara has managed to avoid such outcomes for four consecutive years. The key to their success lies in an innovative approach to naming the animals.
Typically, shelters are not places people visit frequently, but this one is filled with cats and dogs. In many places, only popular breeds are showcased for adoption, but Nara's shelter takes a different approach. Despite limited space, they house animals from all over, using creative methods to attract potential adopters.
The Nara shelter has gained media attention for its remarkable achievement of not euthanizing animals for four years. The cats here are often adopted, and new kittens are born each year, totaling around 180 annually. This has been hailed as a miracle by the media. So, what makes these cats so fortunate? It might not be due to the location being a "lucky spot", but rather the efforts of a dedicated veterinarian named Eizou Kawabata.
At 71 years old, with five grandchildren, Kawabata has a youthful spirit. He uses unique naming methods to attract attention to the cats. For example, two hyperactive kittens were named "Tenya" and "Wanya", meaning "heaven and earth turned upside down". These unusual names, along with photos and information shared on the shelter's Line account, quickly capture the attention of potential owners. The rapid spread of information online has led to many people visiting the shelter to adopt.
As the year draws to a close, the shelter is about to welcome its 100th cat, which will be named "Momo", meaning "hundred". The 101st cat will be named "Momoichi", or "one hundred and one". Interestingly, these cats are adopted soon after being named. The shelter's approach to caring for, naming, and promoting the animals is truly worth learning from.
